Over 2023 Spring Break, Dr. Jeff Stratford, professor of biology, and Dr. Andy Miller, associate professor of political science, will conduct a study-abroad trip to Costa Rica.
The trip will be a part of the three-credit course, PS 289 Sustainable Ecotourism which will run from 2 to 2:50 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri. The course goals are to understand the economics of ecotourism, the place of ecotourism in the economy of Costa Rica, sustainable and unsustainable aspects of ecotourism, the basics of tropical biology and the tropical targets of ecotourism.
Students will fly out on March 4 and return on the 11.
“It is an amazing experience, I wish I could go,” said Dr. Andreea Maierean, director of study abroad.
The main goal of the course and trip is to see, do and learn. While abroad, students will also complete community service outreach for the areas they are exploring. Past projects have included painting, refurbishing sports equipment, teaching English and whatever else the community may need.
Currently, the cost of the trip is to be around $1,000 to $1,500 with a $300 deposit due by Nov. 25 and the remaining full amount by Jan 31. This price includes transportation to and from the airport, accommodation and meals in Costa Rica along with activities. It does not include airfare, personal expenses and “extra” activities.
With food experiences being one of the frequent activities, Dr. Stratford and Dr. Miller assured many options for those with dietary restrictions or specific vegetarian preferences.
Students attending will need a passport but do not need a VISA. It is also encouraged to ask a doctor about vaccinations (for yellow fever, hepatitis C, etc.). There is also no malaria in Costa Rica where the trip will be taking place and very little malaria overall.
“I always find it amazing how similar people are between different places and then how different people are within a place,” said Dr. Stratford “The big thing is how common humanity is.”
For more information about the trip, please reach out to either professors at [email protected] or [email protected]. For any questions about study abroad, reach out to Dr. Andreea Maierean, at [email protected]